Razgatlioglu completed a spectacular hat-trick at the Portimão circuit last weekend
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) has once again made history in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in the Algarve.
With a spectacular hat-trick at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), the Turkish rider secured his 59th and 60th career wins, moving past Carl Fogarty on the all-time winners’ list. His victories over Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in all three races – the Tissot Superpole Race, Race 1 and Race 2 – made for an unforgettable weekend of Superbike racing in Portugal.
Razgatlioglu’s Tissot Superpole Race victory was almost a carbon copy of his Race 1 win, which saw him and Bulega going nose-to-tail for almost the whole race.
Discussing his Superpole Race win, the #1 stated: “For me, I love fighting. I never give up. The bike isn’t 100% but I’m only pushing for the win. Race 1 for me was a hard race because I lost the front a few times, I just tried to follow him and then win the race. In Sunday’s two races, the pace was incredible. We improved the bike and I felt more grip, but turning was the same. I’m just fighting for the wins, and everyone enjoyed it. After Phillip Island, we are coming back very strongly and showed everyone we’re here.”
Race 2 on Saturday was just as intense, with the Turkish rider battling Bulega in a red-flagged, 11-lap duel. The pair swapped positions six times in a thrilling contest before Razgatlioglu secured his third win of the weekend. “We’re fighting in every corner. The people really enjoyed it,” he said.
The Turkish rider also spoke highly of the Portimão circuit: “I’m fighting here because it’s my favourite track, I’m always fast here, and we needed to win.”
Round 3 of the WorldSBK Championship is scheduled for April 11-13 in Assen, Netherlands.
